19 Chinese Manapua Recipe Delight In These Amazing Recipes!
Published on: Mar 23, 2024
Chinese manapua, also known as char siu bao, is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine that has gained popularity worldwide. These steamed buns are filled with savory and sweet BBQ pork and have become a staple in dim sum restaurants and Asian bakeries. While many may think that making manapua at home is a daunting task, with this easy-to-follow recipe, you can recreate this delicious dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.
One of the most popular dishes in Chinese cuisine, orange chicken is a sweet and tangy delight that is loved by many. Made with tender chicken pieces coated in a crispy batter and smothered in a rich orange sauce, this dish is sure to please your taste buds. The secret to getting the perfect orange chicken lies in the marinade and the sauce, which is usually a combination of orange juice, soy sauce, and honey. Serve it with steamed rice and enjoy a taste of China in your own home.
A classic Chinese stir-fry dish, beef and broccoli is a simple yet flavorful meal that can be made in a matter of minutes. Tender strips of beef are cooked with crunchy broccoli florets and tossed in a savory sauce made with garlic, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. This dish is a favorite among many and is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Serve it over a bed of rice and enjoy the delicious combination of meat and vegetables in every bite.
A staple in Chinese cuisine, fried rice is a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients. Typically made with cooked rice, eggs, and a mix of vegetables and meats, this dish is a great way to use up leftovers. The key to making the perfect fried rice is to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before starting the cooking process. Add some soy sauce and sesame oil for an extra burst of flavor and enjoy this classic Chinese dish.
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Chinese Chicken Thighs
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Olive Oil, Minced Ginger, Minced
Chicken thighs are a favorite in Chinese cuisine as they are more flavorful and tender than other cuts of chicken. They can be cooked in a variety of ways, from stir-frying to braising, and are often marinated in a flavorful sauce before cooking. One popular Chinese chicken thigh dish is "Kung Pao Chicken," which is made with marinated chicken, peanuts, Sichuan peppercorns, and a spicy sauce. Serve it with steamed rice for a delicious and satisfying meal.
A healthier alternative to beef and broccoli, this dish combines tender chicken with crunchy broccoli in a savory sauce. The key to getting the perfect texture is to blanch the broccoli before stir-frying it with the chicken. This dish is a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables while still enjoying the flavors of Chinese cuisine. For an extra kick of flavor, add some oyster sauce and hoisin sauce to the sauce mixture.
A simple and comforting soup, egg drop soup is a staple in Chinese cuisine. Made with a savory chicken broth and beaten eggs, this soup is perfect for a cozy night in. The key to getting the perfect texture is to slowly pour the beaten eggs into the hot broth while stirring continuously. For an extra burst of flavor, add some green onions and ginger to the broth before adding the eggs.
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Classic Pork Fried Rice - A Chinese Takeout favorite
Main Ingredients: Hot Water, Honey, Sesame Oil, Shaoxing Wine, Soy Sauce
A classic dish that is a staple in Chinese takeout menus, pork fried rice is a delicious and satisfying meal that is loved by many. Made with marinated pork, eggs, and a mix of vegetables, this dish is a great way to use up leftover rice and meat. The key to getting the perfect fried rice is to use a hot wok or skillet and constantly stir the rice to prevent it from sticking. Add some oyster sauce and soy sauce for a burst of flavor and enjoy this Chinese takeout favorite in the comfort of your own home.
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Egg Fried Rice - An Easy Chinese
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Large Eggs, Paprika, Turmeric, Oil, Medium
A simple and delicious dish, egg fried rice is a great way to use up leftover rice and eggs. Made with a few simple ingredients such as eggs, rice, and soy sauce, this dish is easy to make and can be customized with your favorite vegetables and meats. The key to getting the perfect texture is to use cold rice, as freshly cooked rice can become mushy when fried. Add some green peas and carrots for a pop of color and added nutrition.
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Fried Chicken Wings, Chinese Takeout Style
Main Ingredients: Chicken Wings, Black Pepper, White Pepper, Garlic
Perfect for game day or as a party appetizer, these fried chicken wings are a crowd favorite. Marinated in a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, honey, and garlic, these wings are then coated in a crispy batter and deep-fried to perfection. Serve them with some sweet and sour sauce for dipping and enjoy a taste of Chinese takeout at home.
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Chinese Broccoli Beef
Main Ingredients: Sirloin Steak, Soy Sauce, Cornstarch, Freshly Ground
A classic Chinese dish, broccoli beef is a flavorful and nutritious meal that is loved by many. Tender strips of beef are cooked with crunchy broccoli in a savory sauce made with oyster sauce and soy sauce. This dish is quick and easy to make and can be served over a bed of rice or noodles for a filling and satisfying meal.
A popular appetizer, egg rolls are a staple in Chinese cuisine. Made with a crispy wrapper and filled with a mix of vegetables and meats, these rolls are then fried to perfection. The key to getting the perfect egg roll is to make sure the filling is not too wet, as this can cause the wrapper to become soggy. Serve them with some sweet and sour sauce for dipping and enjoy a taste of China in every bite.
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Classic Beef Fried Rice - A Chinese Takeout
Main Ingredients: Flank Steak, Salt, Water, Baking Soda, Dark Soy Sauce
Another classic dish that is a staple in Chinese takeout menus, beef fried rice is a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for a quick and easy dinner. Made with marinated beef, eggs, and a mix of vegetables, this dish is packed with flavor and is sure to please your taste buds. Add some oyster sauce and sesame oil for an extra burst of flavor and enjoy this Chinese takeout favorite at home.
Also known as "Char Siu," Chinese BBQ pork is a popular dish that is often served as a main course or as a filling for steamed buns. The key to getting the perfect BBQ pork is in the marinade, which usually consists of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and honey. The pork is then roasted until tender and glazed with a sticky and flavorful sauce. Serve it with some steamed buns or over a bed of rice for a delicious and satisfying meal.
A quick and easy meal, stir-fried chicken is a staple in Chinese cuisine. Made with marinated chicken and a mix of vegetables, this dish is packed with flavor and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. The key to getting the perfect stir fry is to cook the chicken on high heat and constantly stir to prevent it from sticking to the pan. Serve it with some steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
A popular dish in Chinese-American cuisine, sweet and sour chicken is a delicious combination of tangy and sweet flavors. Tender chicken pieces are coated in a crispy batter and then tossed in a flavorful sauce made with ketchup, vinegar, and pineapple juice. Serve it with some steamed rice for a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to please your taste buds.
A sweet and savory dish, honey prawns are a popular choice in Chinese cuisine. Marinated in a sauce made with honey, garlic, and soy sauce, these prawns are then stir-fried until tender and coated in a sticky sauce. Serve them over a bed of rice or noodles and enjoy the perfect balance of flavors in every bite.
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Chinese Eggplant with Spicy Garlic Sauce
Main Ingredients: Cooking Oil, Eggplant, Garlic, Red Chile Pepper, Fresh
A vegetarian option that is full of flavor, eggplant with spicy garlic sauce is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine. The eggplant is first fried until crispy and then tossed in a flavorful sauce made with garlic, chili paste, and soy sauce. This dish can be served as a main course or as a side dish and is sure to be a hit at your dinner table.
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Homemade Chinese Fried Noodles
Main Ingredients: Noodles, Chinese Chives, Medium Carrot, Shredded
A simple and delicious dish, homemade fried noodles are a great way to use up leftover noodles and vegetables. Made with a mix of vegetables, eggs, and noodles, this dish is quick and easy to make and is sure to be a hit with the whole family. The key to getting the perfect texture is to use a hot wok or skillet and constantly stir the noodles to prevent them from sticking.
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Daddy Wu’s Chinese Chicken
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, Dry Sherry, Oyster
A recipe passed down through generations, Daddy Wu's Chinese chicken is a flavorful and comforting dish that is loved by many. Made with marinated chicken and a mix of vegetables, this dish is packed with flavor and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. The key to getting the perfect chicken is to marinate it for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Serve it with some steamed rice for a delicious and satisfying meal.
The origins of manapua can be traced back to the Cantonese province of China, where the dish was known as cha siu bao, meaning "steamed BBQ pork buns." The buns were traditionally made with a wheat flour dough and filled with sweet and savory char siu pork, a popular Cantonese dish. In the early 19th century, Chinese immigrants brought this dish to Hawaii, where it became known as manapua, a Hawaiian word meaning "delicious pork." The dish quickly gained popularity among locals and tourists and has since become a beloved part of Hawaiian cuisine.
The Evolution of Manapua
Over the years, manapua has evolved and taken on various forms, depending on the region and culture. In Hawaii, the buns are typically larger and filled with diced pork and often topped with a sweet and tangy sauce. In China, the buns are smaller and have a fluffier texture, and can also be filled with other ingredients such as chicken, vegetables, or even custard. In recent years, manapua has also gained popularity in other parts of the world, such as the United States and Canada, where it is often sold in Asian supermarkets and food trucks.
The Ingredients You'll Need
The Dough
The key to making delicious manapua is in the dough. Traditionally, the dough is made with wheat flour, yeast, and water, but for a healthier alternative, you can use whole wheat flour. To give the buns their signature fluffy texture, you will need to add baking powder to the dough. Some recipes also call for milk or lard to make the buns softer and richer. For a vegan option, you can substitute plant-based milk and use vegetable oil instead of lard.
The Filling
The filling is what gives manapua its unique and delicious flavor. The traditional filling is made with char siu pork, which is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, and spices. You can also use other types of protein, such as chicken, beef, or tofu, for a vegetarian option. For a sweeter filling, you can add diced onions and carrots to the mix, giving the buns a more complex flavor profile.
How to Make Chinese Manapua
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, baking powder, and sugar. Slowly add water and mix until the dough comes together. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Let it rest for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a separate bowl, mix together the diced pork, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, and spices. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to develop.
Step 3: Assemble and Steam
Divide the dough into small balls and roll them out into circles. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle and pinch the edges together to seal the bun. Place the buns on a greased steamer and let them steam for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once the buns are steamed, remove them from the steamer and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy them as is.
In Conclusion
Making homemade Chinese manapua may seem intimidating, but with this easy recipe, you can impress your family and friends with this delicious and authentic dish. So why not give it a try and bring a taste of China and Hawaii to your own kitchen?
